The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has granted leave to proceed with the Fundamental Rights (FR) petition that was filed on former President Maithripala Sirisena’s continuous use of his current residence at Paget Road.
The FR petition was filed by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) and its Executive Director, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu challenging the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers to allow former President Maithripala Sirisena to continue to use the official residence.
In their Petition, they stated that the residence occupied by former President Maithripala Sirisena on Mahagama Sekara Mawatha (Paget Road) is of great financial value and is a valuable asset of the Country.
The CPA stated that the allocation of a public asset of such financial value for the personal use of a former President who is no longer carrying out the functions of a Head of State is irrational, arbitrary, and illegal, especially because the said residence was constructed in a manner befitting a Head of State.
The CPA further argued it is wrong for the Cabinet of Ministers to decide on the benefits of a retiring President before he ceases to hold office.
Based on these reasons, the CPA contended that the fundamental rights of the Petitioners’ and the citizens of Sri Lanka guaranteed under Article 12(1) (Right to Equality) of the Constitution have been violated by the above-mentioned decision made by the Cabinet of Ministers.
Taking up for consideration the petition yesterday, the Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, Justice Yasantha Kodagoda, and Justice Mahinda Samayawardena granted leave to proceed with the case.
The Supreme Court fixed the matter for argument on March 29 and further issued an order directing the respondents to present relevant documents pertaining to the subject matter of the application. (NewsWire)